Rand has signed an agreement with former William Morris agent in charge of television packaging, Carey Nelson Burch, dba My Own Shingle, to represent the novel/mock-memoir Grand Pop. The goal is to package Grand Pop as a TV series or feature film. Stay tuned for more info on this exciting development. And get in on the ground floor of the Grand Pop explosion by ordering a copy of this hilarious and poignant fictional account of a Peter Pan rock superstar turning 50 and becoming a grandfather. Available now on our products page or at Amazon.com.

Subscribe to our newsletter on the home page for coming information on Rand's first book of fiction and how you can order it. Click book cover to view Rand's YouTube book trailer.

Rand Bishop inks pact with Alfred Publishing

8 Months of Negotiations result in contracts

Flash back to February, 2009. Rand received an email out of the blue. It was from music-biz book guru, Mike Lawson, who was inquiring as to why Rand was releasing his book, "Makin' Stuff Up, secrets of song-craft and survival in the music-biz," in e-book format. (At the time, Lawson was unaware that Rand's book had already been published in paperback.)

Lawson, founder of Mix Magazine's book division, then the man at Hal Leonard, had just begun his tenure at Alfred Publishing. After acquiring Warner Books, Alfred had risen to the #2 spot as a publisher of music portfolios. But they fell far behind #1 Hal Leonard in their line of technical, trade, and craft publications. Lawson was drafted on board to cure that shortfall. After reading "Makin' Stuff Up," Lawson proposed a distribution deal for the remaining inventory, with an option for Alfred to publish a second edition. This kind of arrangement, he explained, is very unusual, in that publishers seldom agree to distribute a single title.

After 8 months of on-and-off negotiations, the deal is finally done. And, not only will Alfred be putting "Makin' Stuff Up" on the shelves of stores like Borders, Barnes and Noble, and Guitar Center, they've signed Rand to write a new book that he plans to call "The Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success."

"The new book is less about craft and more about strategy," Rand explains. "I've found that most writers go about their careers with either the wrong strategy, or no strategy at all." Based on one of Rand's most successful workshops, the new book will spell out a long-term, step-by-step plan to help every burgeoning songwriter become the best writer they can be and give their songs the best opportunity to find exposure and success.

More about when "Makin' Stuff Up" will hit the book shelves, as well as news about progress on "The Absolute Essentials" in the near future.

Tennessee viewers, tune in to view and listen to Rand and his "brother from another mother," Rhean Boyer (lead singer of Carolina Rain) as the two tunesmiths field questions from host Chapman and each render a couple of original numbers.

Air dates: April 11th and 25th at 3:00 AM and 11:00 PM, 12th and 26th at 3:00 AM and 4:00 PM, 15th and 29th at 12:30 PM. WTVF, Nashville, Channel 5.

"Thanks professor. This is the real School of Rock and more. You're looking a picture of dignity and your advice is helpful for keeping ours. Five Stars."

- YouTuber Yogione

Don't miss the series... The Five Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success (Reader's Digest nuggets of wisdom from a veteran of 4 decades in the music-biz trenches). Just go to YouTube.com and search Rand Bishop to view vids -- new material every week.

FIRESIDE FRIDAY PODCAST NOW ONLINE!

"It was an absolute blast!" says Rand, of the January 9th taping."CC and Cynthia really got my book and my sense of humor. We rocked!"

On the show, Rand tells war stories from his book, Makin' Stuff Up, including the infamous 1977 dissing of Clive Davis. He also renders a rare performance of a power ballad from his last major label artist endeavor, 1983's "When the Calm Becomes the Storm."

Also featured on the podcast are two of Rand's favorite young developing artist/collaborators, Hailey Stout and Justyna Kelley, as well as Rand's daughter, Glendyn, who pitches in on harmonies.

A click on the fire image will take you to the Fireside Friday website. Then click "The Podcast" to check out Rand's episode. Or you can download the 30 minute show on iTunes.

Fireside Friday is a platform for artists to voice their opinions and thoughts on all aspects of art and the entertainment industry, a creative melting pot offering tips, tricks and experiences for your listening enjoyment.

Fueled on a half-dozen chocolate covered espresso "buzz beans," Rand stayed up well past his bedtime to answer questions about his book, Makin' Stuff Up, and his sordid rock 'n' roll history. An MP3 will be available soon of the 1AM segment.

The Great American Song Contest... "Empowering songwriters with information, industry access and opportunity..."

With so many options available for having your songs critiqued, why do we choose Rand Bishop? Because he's the best. You could have a group of your fellow songwriters critique your song, and that would be free. So why pay? Because being a great songwriter doesn't necessarily mean you're a great critiquer. Rand is both.

He's thorough, he's organized in his approach, and he makes suggestions that improve our songs -- every time. He gets down to the nitpicking level sometimes, but only if it's something that will improve the song. One seemingly small thing can sometimes make a song cuttable. You'll get a detailed list of how he ranks the various elements of your song, and we think you'll agree with just about all of it. He's a great critiquer and a great guy. We enjoy working with Rand.

Harry and Frances Date
TSAI Directors of Public Relations
Silk and Denim Music

"When I saw my "name up in lights", with my #10 rating, I fell off of my chair. Your evaluations and your wonderful book have so fortified my writing and confidence."

- Lyricist and VIP member, Jim Waxenberg, Phoenix, AZ

I just this minute finished reading your book and wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed it. Excellent book; great advice. I will be recommending it to songwriter friends.

- Tanya Touchstone
Nashville

"Rand Bishop has mastered the art of songwriting. As a new writer myself, I have been able to learn how to structure a song and make every line count. Thank God for Rand and his willingness to share his secrets of songcrafting with new, young artist writers such as myself."

I just wanted to stop in my reading and take this opportunity to thank you for writing your experiences down. My understanding of the whole process of songwriting has increased more than with any other instructional book I've read. I may even be able to understand the other books better because of yours. Not only that, it's pretty freakin' entertaining as well. Thanks again.

- Patti Higgins
Nashville

"Rand pushes you to be a better artist, to think outside the box. Whether helping a developing artist or working with his daughter's high school choir, he has a true passion for his craft. The music comes naturally."

Hailey Stout, singer/songwriter

"If you have ever aspired to write a song that changed the world, or if you are the slightest bit curious about what it might take to accomplish that feat, Makin' Stuff Up by Rand Bishop is a great place to start your journey. This propels the reader forward like a good road trip and will teach you plenty along the way."

Parker MacDonell/Six String Concerts Troubadour Newsletter, Jan. 2009

"You shed a lot of human light on a too often inhumane process. I appreciate the way you show people the nuts and bolts, and then also recognize the exceptions. You gave some clarity and form to impressions which I already had to some extent, and gave a lot of useful information about how to take it further. Thank you."

Ray Baisden, VIP Member

"Rand Bishop is truly a "mad scientist" of song-crafting, and I've had the the great pleasure of working with and learning from him throughout my formative years as a young song-writer. I can always entrust my best and most fruitful [song] ideas to him in co-writing, and he continues to inspire and amaze me to this day."

Justyna Kelley, singer/songwriter

Absolute Essentials Now Available

"Bishop's new songwriting book reads like a good John Grisham novel - quickly. It's hard to put down because it contains so many nuggets of wisdom and insider knowledge, and never gets bogged down in long-winded theorizing or regurgitated facts. These stories and insights come from a fellow who has earned his stripes."

Douglas Waterman, American Songwriter Magazine

"Rand Bishop knows the creative and business sides of songwriting and the music industry. Aspiring songwriters should pay attention because he has outlined the steps you must take on your chosen career path."
-- Bart Herbison, Executive Director, Nashville Songwriters Association International

If you prefer to have a PDF file and read on your computer screen; if you can't wait for the postman to bring you a hard copy; or if your bookshelf is already stuffed with volumes gathering dust, this is your lucky day. Go to the products page, order your E-book for $12.95 and own your electronic copy of this essential "songwriting course wrapped in a memoir" in minutes!

The Last "Five Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success"

Rand shares success tips with attendees of the Songfest at Loretta Lynn's Ranch

October 4th was the final (for now) presentation of Rand's workshop, "The Five Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success."

Attendees of Nashville Songwriter's Festival's Songfest at Loretta Lynn's ranch were treated to Rand's career insights that, if conscientiously applied, could provide the keys to the kingdom.

"As I've just signed a deal with Alfred Publishing to write a book based on this workshop," Rand explains, "I'm gonna put it on ice until the book comes out."

"I'm into Makin' Stuff Up" T-shirt goes to the writer of the first #1 song on the Feedback Loop Top-10

Join Now and get your songs in for consideration.

All VIP members are eligible to chart songs on the inaugural Feedback Loop Top-10 - prominently displayed on the MakinStuffUp.net home page. VIP members, get to work! Record a work tape of your latest masterpiece-in-progress, go to the Feedback Loop page and follow the submission instructions now. You could find your song in the Top-10 when it debuts on Monday, January 5th.

Good luck! We can't wait to hear your newest burgeoning hit and help you write the best song you can write.

Makin' Stuff Up at LA Women in Music

Performer/lyricist extraordinaire Lisa-Catherine Cohen introduced Rand's new book to a packed house at the LAWiM December Soiree December 10th.

Makin' Stuff Up goes Retail!

Rand Bishop's essential "songwriting course wrapped in a memoir" is now available at Davis Kidd Booksellers at the Green Hills Mall and at the Nashville Center For Spiritual Living bookstore.

Nashvillians, save on shipping costs. Pick up Makin' Stuff Up (secrets of song-craft and survival in the music-biz) at Davis Kidd or NCSL. This book makes an ideal gift for the compulsive creative soul or memoir enthusiast on your list.

Makin' Stuff Up at LA Women in Music

Performer/lyricist extraordinaire Lisa-Catherine Cohen introduced Rand's new book to a packed house at the LAWiM December Soiree December 10th.